She wanted to find out if General Xu had any other evidence, but to her surprise, this General who was bent on currying favor with the Regent, besides helping Du Jiang conceal the child trafficking, was actually a good official who served the country and the people, leaving Ji Xingzhi speechless. This time, General Xu was sent to meet Hua Yihen. If Hua Yihen really embarrassed General Xu as Ji Xingzhi expected, it would be a lesson for him. If not, then it wouldn't matter. General Xu was old and couldn't bear too much stimulation. If he died of an unpleasant temper, the court would lose a senior official, and the position of General would be vacant. She would have to worry about who to appoint as the General, which would be very tiring. Wu Fang, naturally unaware of Ji Xingzhi's inner thoughts, bowed respectfully and said, "Yes." "Also, send someone to clean Nangong inside and out, and when the people from the four states arrive, arrange for them to stay. If they ask about me, just tell me I fell off a horse a while ago and injured my foot, and now I have difficulty walking," Ji Xingzhi instructed. "Your Majesty, are you not planning to host a banquet?" Wu Fang asked doubtfully. A banquet is usually held to welcome the arrival of important figures; it's a custom in almost every country. The people coming to Lizhou this time were Shui Lianche, the ruler of Shuizhou; Hua Yihen, the war god of Huazhou; Prince Yuya, the future ruler of Yuzhou; Princess Qingluo and her consort, Jiangling; and Ling Fei, the saintly maiden of Shuizhou, whose status rivaled that of a monarch. Each of them was a highly influential figure, a figure above all others in their respective countries. The emperor didn't think about hosting a banquet to entertain him and build good relations with him, but he almost didn't take him seriously and didn't even show up. Wu Fang was really puzzled. Ji Xingzhi simply smiled faintly and said, "Think about it, during the previous war with Shuizhou, Lizhou spent a lot on the military. A banquet for them would surely be another huge expense. If they all arrived at the same time, one banquet would have been enough, but they didn't arrive at the same time. We have to receive Prince Xun, the Emperor of Shuizhou, and the Crown Prince of Yuzhou, and then we have to receive the Saint Maiden again. How much money will this cost? Even if Lizhou's treasury is full, it can't afford such extravagance. We need to be frugal. There's no need to hold a banquet for them, just pay attention to the food. Also, tell the imperial kitchen that my meals don't need to be too extravagant. Have the silver saved from my meals be handed over to Shaohua Palace." After listening to Ji Xingzhi's well-organized reasoning, Wu Fang's mouth twitched slightly. Being frugal is a good thing, but why did he feel that the emperor was not frugal, but stingy? Looking at the emperor's righteous expression, Wu Fang shook his head, dismissing the idea that he was stingy. It was an illusion. The emperor must be doing this for the sake of Lizhou. Even the ruler of a state was so frugal. As a subordinate, he must fulfill every request from the emperor, so as not to betray the emperor's trust. "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will make sure everything is properly arranged. You can rest and recuperate," Wu Fang said seriously. Ji Xingzhi looked at Wu Fang's sudden seriousness and nodded, somewhat puzzled. "Uh, then, let's not delay. Let's go to the Grand Marshal's Mansion and announce the decree." Wu Fang bowed slightly and said, "Yes, I will take my leave!" Looking at Wu Fang's back, Ji Xingzhi couldn't help but touch his chin. What had happened to Wu Fang? Why was he suddenly so motivated? His words were so powerful.
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